Thesis: Christians, those who have been born again, need to nourish their faith, continuing to become more mature Christians. The believer will sin; but hates the sin and moves consistently to desire Jesus Christ. The Word of God strenghtens us in four ways towards growth in Christ:
1. REMOVE BARRIERS (v.1)
* "malice" - general term = all bad stuff
-- solution is gospel thinking
* "deciet" - lure = go after things that look
good but are really bad.
-- solution is gospel thinking
* "hypocrisy" - actor who puts on mask and
plays a part.
-- solution is not to be complacent Christian
* "envy" - makes us question God work for us
-- solution is to praise Him for work in
others
* "slander" is counter gospel - elevates self
instead of gospel command to deny self.
2. REJECT SUBSTITUTES (v.2)
* Many "christian" things we substitute for Word.
* Word is how we learn, grow, mature in Christ
* Goal is John 4:24 - true/spiritual worship in
all areas of life. Not some religious
checklist.
* "long for" = lust. We should crave pure Word,
not books, blogs, etc : crave Bible itself for
Christ himself.
3. RENEW GROW IN WORD (v.2)
* Not simply knowledge
* Not for self-help, or other "fix it's"
* Meditate on word, chew on it, become
Christ-like
4. REMEMBER SALVATION (v.3)
* Rejoice and live in work Christ has done
in you.
* Put on attitude of praise for blessing of
salvation |
